Comments: Manhattan Supreme Court

Mr.
Alan J. M. Chief Clerk New York State Supreme Court, Criminal Term
100 Centre Street New York, New York 10013

Dear Mr. M.:

Last
month I conducted a jury trial for one week in Part 45. The court officers assigned
to the part during the trial were Sgt Rob B., #326; SCO Kevin K., #4283;
SCO Linda L., #4628, and SCO Bruce M., #2704. There Officers were conscientious,
intelligent, highly professional, and courteous to everyone involved in the trial.
It was a pleasure to conduct a trial in a part staffed by these officers. They
are among the best court officers I have seen in twenty years of practicing in
New York County Supreme Court.

As a pro-se
litigant may I tell you that any confidence I have in submitting a respectable
brief to the Appellate Court is attributable to Mr. P. Mr. P. is competent,
helpful and very professional in his position as a law librarian.

Mr.
P. is at all times courteous, efficient and knowledgeable. It is rare to
find anyone quite like Mr. P. when high standard help is needed.

Please
enter this letter into Mr. P.'s permanent record. In the future it would
be nice to see more people of this quality, particularly in the court system.

I am a Pro Se Litigant.
Each and every time I have come into the public access library on the 4th Floor,
I have realized that I am a very lucky individual.

Defending yourself
is no easy task. Mr. Ted P. is the law librarian and he is exceptionally
knowledgeable. He goes over and beyond the call of duty in helping individuals.
He is thoughtful, helpful, respectful and smart....

I have met ever several
of the Pro Se litigants that use the public access library. It has become crystal
clear to me, that because of Mr. P.'s help, we are able to present our case
in a more concise legal manner.

I would like to take this opportunity to express
my esteemed gratitude to you and the member's of your staff for assisting this
office in the assurance of a safe and expeditious Governor's Warrant extradition.
As you know, the safety of all concerned is a paramount and crucial aspect of
our business. The experienced personnel of the New York State Court's have been
constant in the surety of this task. Please except our office patch as a token
of our appreciation. I trust that we will continue our professional and comradic
relationship in future endeavors.

Respectfully submitted,

Brian
C. Detective Lieutenant Fugitive Squad

Sir:

On June 10, I had business at 111 Centre St, Ms. Lauren H.
(Badge # 4666) was on duty. In that capacity, she was pleasant, helpful and displayed
a professionalism which is a credit to the organization.

Thank her for
me and please show the appreciation from the service for a job well done. Please
include this in her file.

Howard G.

Captain Greg W.
Civil Court 111 Centre
Street New York, NY 10013

Re: Court Officer Isabel B.

Dear
Captain W.:

I would like to give my long overdue thanks to Court Officer
Isabel B.

Some time last year I dropped my gold Mont Blanc pen (with
a value of about $895.00).

A month later when I realized that I may have
lost the pen in the courthouse I returned to inquire about it. To my surprise
the court officers informed me the pen was found, court officer Isabel B.
had found the pen, and after I identified the pen it was returned to me.

I
would like to commend the professional and courteous court officers and in particular
Ms. B. who after finding my pen on the floor immediately turned it in for safe
keeping.

Thank you all very much for your consideration and for guarding
the safety and property of all who enter through the court house doors.

P.S.
Happy Holidays.

Very truly yours,

Levi H. Law Clerk

Alan
M. Chief Court Officer 100 Centre Street Rm # 1008 NY, NY 10013

Dear Mr. M.,

I am writing to extend my sincere appreciation
to several of your staff members, specifically Grand Jury Wardens Iris S.
and Kim F.. I recently served on a Special Narcotics Grand Jury (Sept 9-Oct
7) and was pleased to see your staff members demonstrate exemplary professionalism.

The wardens were extremely affable, respectful, and went above and beyond
the call of duty to ensure that a potentially month of service was made to be
the best possible experience.

I commend you on your staff and hope that
they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Feel free to contact
me if you would like any further feedback.

Respectfully,

Wes
W.

cc: Iris S., Senior Court Officer
Kim F., Senior Court
Officer

Senior
Court Officer Craig L.
New York County Supreme Court 100 Centre Street
New York, New York 10013

Dear Officer L.:

Thank you very
much for the remarkable tour you gave to my students on October 2. Your
explanation of the criminal justice system from arrest to trial, accompanied by
your expert interpretation of courtroom procedures, provided an exceptional learning
opportunity.

Your efforts were appreciated by all of the students. It
was an experience that greatly enhanced their understanding of issues and procedures
they studied in class.

Unfortunately, time does not allow us to come back
for another visit this semester, but I would love to bring a different group next
fall.

Very truly yours,

Ellen K. B. Assistant Professor
cc: Alan M.

Hon. Micki A. S.
Administrative Judge Criminal Term
New York County 100 Centre Street New York, New York 10007 Re:
Court Officers

Dear Judge S.: I recently had the pleasure of
trying the case of People v. Maurice Chatman Ind. No. 4900/2001 before the Hon.
Edwin T. in Part 67.

Unfortunately on February 5 at the end
of the day my client suffered a seizure which caused him to collapse in the courtroom.
The response of the crew, Sgt. Robert K., SCO Frank I., SCO Glenn
O., SCO Jennifer C. responded with the utmost professionalism, care
and consideration in a very difficult situation. I believe it is important to
commend people within the Court system who do exemplary deeds and this was indeed
such an occasion.

Therefore, I write the Court and request that this letter
be included in the personnel files of all the individuals named above. Finally
I would like to thank the Court for its time and consideration.

Very Truly
Yours,

Edward D. W.

Major
D.
100 Centre Street Manhattan Criminal Court

Dear Ms. D.,

I am writing this letter to inform you of the kind, caring and considerate
treatment shown to me by Officer Edward H. (Badge #4758). His thoughtfulness
and compassion helped me cope with a very difficult situation, and without his
quick with and "take charge" attitude I would have not known what to do.

In
May, I was in the Manhattan Criminal Court for a court appearance. As it was my
first (and only) negative encounter with the law, I was extremely nervous and
frightened. I had decided to skip breakfast and was feeling very weak. I collapsed
on a bench on the 11th floor and flagged Officer H. for help, as he was passing
by. He quickly took charge and wisely asked me for some form of identification;
which was exactly what should have been done because as my blood pressure began
to drop, I was losing awareness of my surroundings. Mr. H. called the paramedics
and sat with me the entire time. My hands had lost feeling and were becoming stiff
and I desperately wanted to doze off. He kept me awake and engaged me in conversation
while massaging my hands. Once the paramedics arrived, he went down to purchase
a soda and candy bar for me to bring my blood sugar level back up, and offered
me the use of his personal cell phone to call my family. In the end, I was diagnosed
with an "anxiety attack" and assured that I would be fine.

Officer H.
was literally a pillar of support for me that day. I'm sure that I wasn't the
first nor will I be the last person that he has helped, however, I wanted to make
aware of his actions. I would to once again thank him and commend him for his
kindness, by way of praising him, as he is certainly deserving of it.

I would like to take this opportunity
to acknowledge and compliment Court Officers Sgt. John P. and Officer Robert
M..

On the morning of Thursday, July
29 upon entering Civil Court in New York County, 111 Centre Street, I inadvertently
walked into the glass plated entrance door. The door shattered. I bruised my head
and cut my knee. The above named officers quickly administered first aid, were
very attentive, supportive and extremely helpful in rendering aid. They carefidly
checked my condition and provided ice for the bruise.

I wish to extend my thanks for the sensitive and efficiently calm manner in which
they provided assistance.

Sincerely yours,

Jack L. L.

cc:
Sgt. John P.
Officer Robert M.

Mr. M.,

I wanted to send you a note
to tell you what an outstanding job i think mike s. is doing as a warden of
the court. i just served grand jury duty under him this past month. mike was enthusiastic,
smiling & friendly, and an educational resource about the process during my tenure.
he really created a team/family spirit to our jury in bringing the group together.
i enjoyed my service, and i think that much of the attribution goes to mike and
the way he runs his court. i've met a lot of "managers" in my day, and this guy
is an absolute pro who loves his job and and encourages those who serve to love
it too.

Over the past weeks I have come to
gain tremendous respect for the court security officers of New York's Suprerme
Court, criminal division. I had the experience of serving on a criminal jury for
the week on March 10. The experience was challenging for all the members
of the jury. This was a new experience for most all of us, we were anxious about
our ability to perform our responsibility, about missing work, and most of us
were unsettled with the new routine and being closed off in the jury room for
so much of the day.

It is clear that working as a court officer is terribly
demanding. There are many activities the public does not see but clearly are essential.
Even as a member of the jury one notices that they are constantly attentive to
provide protection and serve the needs that arise from the court proceedings.

Without exception every court officer in Part 48 Room 677, during the week
of March 10, handled themselves with professionalism and eagerness to make
our responsibilities as jury members as effective as possible. These officers
guided us through each day. They helped to alleviate anxiety and provide support
the importance of our duty. Within the confines of the rules they helped us manage
particular
inconveniences.

Most challenging was the fact that these
officers were supportive and yet never acted in any way to demonstrate an opinion
about the case. This is a mark of exceptional professionalism. Each offtcer demonstrated
respect for the process and respect for our work.

The court officers
were instrumental in creating an atmosphere conducive for the analysis and discussion
necessary to make considered decisions about the case. These officers were vital
to erasing the tension between adapting to this new situation and doing our duty

Paul P.
Director of Education

8/29/02

Dear Mr. D.:

Thank you for your follow up on
my request to obtain the D IN # of my client, Jorge V.. It was very helpfull
and I must confess, unexpected. You guys are busy enough without having to remember
to call attorneys who were really supposed to call you. I appreciate your effort.

I would like to personally
thank you for the outstanding speech you made today, May 31 at BSCD's,
Ninth Career Day Program.

Your message was inspiring to our students and
will have a positive effect on them as they strive forward obtaining their goals.
Our staff and students were impress by you and appreciated your level of professionalism.

Your
presence today, Demonstrated your unselfish commitment to giving back to the community.
You also provide hope to children who have many obstacles often hindering them
from reaching their goals. Today, you told them they can achieve and become all
that they wish to be.

If we can be of any service to you, please do not
hesitate to call upon us at Bronx School for Career Development.

I am writing to you with regards to one of your employees. I
imagine that most of the time when someone contacts you about an employee it is
for a compliant. Most often than not, people do not bother to let an employee
or their supervisor know when they are doing a good job. This is why I am writing
to you. I would like for you to know about a very accomplished employee of yours,
Ms. W.

By way of background, I need documents from the court system.
Before I reached Ms. W., I had made at least thirty (30) Phone calls to various
systems in New York, and was getting very frustrated. I know that no one could
help me, but no one really listened. I will tell you that one of the most impressive
qualities of Ms. W. was that she listened to me and what I needed. She was
paying attention. At the end of the conversation, she noticed that I did not have
the address for her offfice and she mentioned this to me. (I know that this sounds
like a petty matter, but it is just an example of the fact that she truly listens,
and is not just going through the motions. In the world today this is a very rare
quality).

Ms. W. knew I was under a time deadline, and she stated when
she would have the information, and when I could expect it. It was done when she
said, and it was a quality response. I did not have to ask twice, or ask for additional
information. She actually cares about her job and the public.

I wish I was
better at articulating the qualities that make her stand out, but I think it is
accurate to say that she has skills that should be taught to all public employees,
and private for that matter. If given the opportunity, it would be of great benefit
to your organization to put her in a position that she can teach these skills
to other employees.

This year I received a summons to serve
jury duty in the state of New York. I had never served jury duty fefore in New
York or any other state. As a part-time graduate student and full-time employee
in one of the city's museums, I am someone who does not have much time to lose.
Therefore, you can imagine I was not jumping for joy when I found out that I had
been selected as an alternate juror on the very first case that had been called
- The People of N.Y. vs. Calvin B.. Crossing my fingers I assumed myself that
the judges prediction of an easy, open and shut case would come true and I would
be back to my work and studies in no time....

Unfortunately, as the judge
also warned, not everything in life is predictable - so, a seemingly straightforward
case turned out to last close to two weeks with no end in sight...

This
situation could have been a horrible experience, especially for someone like myself
with many obligations such as work, classes, homework, and unforgiving professors...
on top of all of this the added frustration of being an alternate juror and not
being able to deliberate the case. However, it trurned out to be not such a bad
experience mostly due to the attentiveness and kindness of all the court officials
who were working with us. I am writing this letter to commend Sgt. Lee R.,
Russell R., Clerk Rudy C. and Honorable Judge Marcy K. for what I felt
to be their gracious and accommodating treatment of us - Jurors - during the unexpected
turns of Criminal Case #44 - The People of NY vs. Calvin B. They understood
that an obligation like jury duty can be uncomfortable situation at times and
I feel they tried their hardest to make us comfortable and to show us that they
were working hard to get things done as fairly and as efficiently as possible
considering unexpected cirumstances. Because of these people, my jury duty experience
was not horrible and not wonderful, but NOT uncomfortable. Actually, it mad me
realize what an important responsibility one has as a citizen of New York or any
other state for that matters to serve jury duty no matter how busy you are - and
all these people just happened to make everything a little bit easier than it
could have been because of their good attitudes. Although a few months have passed
since I served on this case, it is just now that I have found time to send this
praise, but still I think it is relevant to commend and thank them, they are a
great team.

Sincerely,

Allison F.

Re: Captain Anthony B. and Officer
Richard B.

State of New York Court System 111 Centre Street,
Room 362 New York, NY 10013

To the Court,

Back in September, I had jury duty and was selected to serve on a jury. The case lasted
for 4 days. On one of the days I went to lunch in Little Italy with two other
members of the jury. After lunch, I left a tote bag filled with all sorts of personal
and important items including my cell phone and calendar at the restaurant. The
unfortunate part is that I left the bag there and did not even realize it. Later
that afternoon, the two above named officers, Captain B. and Offrcer B.
came to the courtroom where I was serving and told me that they had found my bag.
They had just happened to have
eaten at the same restaurant and to have found
my bag. Through calling my work number in my calendar they found out that I was
serving jury duty. Thank heavens they persisted and found me. And here I was not
even realizing that I had left my bag.

I cannot thank the two officers
enough for their persistence and their kindness. I wanted to give them some sort
of a reward, but they would not hear of it. I did tell them that I would at least
send a letter in their behalf. So finally I am getting it done. I certainly appreciate
that there are at least two good Samaritans in New York City. The officers were
doing their duty even outside the court by taking care of this jury member. It
definitely restored my faith in humanity and yes even in the New York Court System.

I hope that somewhere this letter can be kept on file for the officers.
I know too often people are very quick to complain and slow to say something positive.
Again, I am sorry for the lateness of this letter, but their good deed does not
have an expiration date in my book.

Very truly yours,

Linda M. P. (juror #3)

Lobby Officers 111 Centre Street New York, NY 10007

Greetings,

Your prompt, efficient attention may very well have saved my life. I am
very grateful.

I wanted to write a letter to outline
the outstanding service the juror's received from Officers Victor W., Jeff
R. and the other officers assigned to us. Their patience, humor, professionalism
and expressly their tolerance were deeply appreciated.

They keep us inline with a strong hand, but were also there to listen to our
concerns and issues. I just wanted you know they went beyond the call of duty
for us. It is not an easy job keeping 12-16 adults together for two months, but
they did an excellence job. Furthermore, I wanted them to know that their outstanding
service did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Sincerely,

Diane T.

Cc: Officer Victor W.
Officer Jeff
R.

Alan M.
100 Centre Street EJew York, New York 10013

Dear Sir:

With respect to the following officers: Sgt. Jerry M., Officer D.,
Officer R., Officer W., we the jurors would like to extend our thanks
and gratitude for the excellent and professional manner in which these officers
treated us during our experience at the court house. They were courteous and respectful
at all times and made, what could have been an unpleasant experience, comfortable.
And who said jury duty had to be miserable?

Again, please thank them
all for their caring and professional manner.

I wish to commend the performance of the court officers
who have been serving in Part 53 while it has re-located to Room 228 in 60 Centre
St. The officers are:

Sgt. Harold H.
SC0 Frank E.
SC0 Wayne D.
SC0 Ernest C.

They have worked
diligently to assist in ensuring that the trial proceeds efficiently. They have
taken responsibility for numerous matters involved in working in an unfamiliar
building, and for assisting in the courtroom itself. As you know, we are working
in the "Courtroom of the Future", and the officers have proved adept at dealing
with the unfamiliar space and its technology.

More importantly, the officers
have been outstanding in managing the jurors in this case. There are currently
seventeen jurors, who are well aware that this will be a lengthy case. The fact
that they are all prompt in arriving at court, and seem reasonably content, can
be attributed in large part to the efforts of the court officers. In particular,
Sgt. Harold H. has provided outstanding leadership, both with regard to his
crew and in his dealings with other court staff, the parties on trial, and the
jury. In addition, Officer Frank E. has worked tirelessly to ensure that the
jurors are as comfortable as possible.

As Juror on the Thomas K. murder trial (April 28 through May 8, Part
45, Judge B. A. presiding) I would like to thank the Court for our outstanding
treatment and in particular, commend the bailiffs: Sgt. Harold H., Sgt. Jerry
M., Sco. Ernest C., Sco. Joseph W., Sco. Wayne D., Sco Frank E.,
Sco. Dermis K., and
Sco. Edward V. for making our five days of sequestration
more than acceptable. I would like to single out for high praise, and applaud
the efforts of Sco. Joseph W. and Sco. Wayne D. (AKA Mother). Their attitude,
professionalism, and good sense kept a young, educated, and rambunctious jury
motivated, interested and in line without squashing our individuality or sensibilities.
They made what could have been a difficult situation into a rather smooth and
pleasant experience.

We can't forget Judge A.. He was intelligent, patient,
considerate, and fair to all, a model of what I think a modern Judge should be.
I hope there are more like him.

From April 27 - May 8 I
was on a jury for an indictment of murder in the second degree. The trial itself
lasted a week and deliberation lasted 5 days during which we were sequestered.
As can be expected, the deliberation process was incredibly intense, emotional
and trying. Every evening, upon leaving the jury room, I felt mentally, emotionally
and physically drained. But despite these circumstances, the court officers assigned
to the case (Sgt. Harold H., Sgt. M., Sco. Joseph W., Sco. Wayne D.
(Mother), Sco. Ernest C., Sco. Frank E., Sco. Dennis K. and Sco. Edward
V.)made my experience as a sequestered juror not only bearable but even enjoyable.
All of the officers went through great lengths to make our sequestration as comfortable
as possible, constantly surpassing their
obligation to meet our needs in
any way possible -while providing much needed comic relief!!

I hope you
realize what a spectacular group of court officers all of these men are!

Sincerely,

Alison P.

Al M.
Chief Clerk 100 Centre Street NY NY 10013

Dear
Mr. M.,

I recently served jury duty and was a juror in Part 76 on a
trial, Dathan C. vs. the People (sorry if my syntax is incorrect). I am
writing to convey my appreciation and enormous praise for one of your court officers,
Phil R. (#2497). Mr. R. is an attentive, kind, respectful, and professional
man, and he did his best to create a serious and nurturing atmosphere in which
our jury could perform our duties.

Please convey to him my thanks, and
please note that he is an exceptional employee.

I recently completed a trial in Part 44 at 100 Centre Street. It was such a pleasant
experience that I had to share it with you.

Justice K. was professional,
courteous and extremely efficient in moving the trial along. Any time a legal
question arose the Court had the appropriate case law at its fingertips. Justice
K.'s entire staff was courteous and well trained. The Court clerk was superb,
a Mr. Rudy C. The court officers, Sgt. C., S., A. and G. were
all extremely professional and amiable.

As you may recall I practice
almost exclusively in Brooklyn. Despite a very difficult client and several thorny
roadblocks and issues between my adversary and myself, the experience in New York
County was excellent. I will no longer be afraid to cross the bridge.

I am writing to you for the purpose of commending
two of your staff officers; Officer Joe R.and Officer P., for their
thoughtfulness and expediency in returning to me a very expensive package which
I'd inadvertently left on the building grounds during the week ending 3/31.

These two officers, through perseverance and concern,
managed to locate my telephone number and job location in order to return said
package to me. It is not very often that people will care enough to put themselves
out in such a manner. I thank them deeply and wish them both good tidings, and
request that their honorable actions be known not only to you, but to their colleagues
as well. It is also respectfully requested that a copy of this letter be placed
in their personnel files.

I
am writing to inform you of the outstanding work of my court staff this past term.
My staff included Sergeant Tom L., S. C. O. Ron P., S. C. O. Victor W.
and S. C. O. Martin C. Several jurors were particularly impressed with the
professionalism of the crew during the trial of the People v. Freddie O.
and John B.. The jurors specifically wanted to make the officers' superiors
cognizant of their excellent work, which included efficient management of all
court proceedings, as well as compassion to the public. Each of these officers
is an asset to our court system and each should be commended.

Sincerely,

Ron. Michael A. C.

MAC: In

Alan
M., Chief Clerk Supreme Court New York County 100 Centre Street
New York, New York 10013

Re: Walter S.

Dear Mr.
M.:

I am writing to commend the work done by the jury clerk, Walter
S. Whenever I am assigned to a jury part I take time to talk with the
jurors following their verdict. I ask the jurors about their jury experience.
Over the past several months the jurors have told me that they have found the
jury experience to be better than what they remembered or, if this was their first
experience, better than what they expected. One over-riding theme is that the
clerk in the jury part is friendly, approachable, and helpful. By setting a positive
tone at the outset, Mr. S. makes the judge's job easier. Please extend
my appreciation to Mr. S. for a job well done.

Very
truly yours,

Laura A. W.
Judge of the Criminal Court

This letter was received as an email:

To: George R.

Fm:
Charles, Immigration Lawyers, Siskind Susser Haas & Devine

These are
perfect. Thank you so much. I want to tell you that in twenty years of practicing
law I have never been treated with more courteously or responsively by a court
clerk. Your service was prompt, efficient and courteous, and you helped us with
a request for documents from a different court than the one you work for. I really
appreciate your efforts. If you ever need anything in Tennessee please let me
know.